Academic Philosophy & Policies

Academic Principles and Guidelines

We've outlined these policies here to help new students and parents understand FIDM's academic standards. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Academic Philosophy

FIDM's goal is to educate, train, and prepare the student for a rewarding career in the Fashion, Entertainment, and Design industries. Through an applied education, the student will experience hands–on training, simulated work environments, and case study applications relevant to their major. Our mission is to deliver a competitive, competent, professional candidate to the industry for immediate employment. In turn, the student capable of succeeding at FIDM must possess a solid academic foundation, maturity, and discipline.

Academic Policies & Expectations

FIDM is bound by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This is a federal law granting students access to their educational records and limiting the information colleges are allowed to divulge about individual students. Our primary relationship is with the student; therefore, all requests for a release of information must be initiated in writing by the individual. We encourage students to advocate on their own behalf and hence we have systems in place to assist in all aspects of FIDM life; academic, financial, and personal. FIDM views parents as partners; the parent interacts with the student, and FIDM interacts with the student. The student is the center of the partnership.

FIDM does not discriminate on the basis of a student's disability as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), either in the admission process or after admission. Upon verification and consultation, reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified students at matriculation.

The FIDM education is based upon a high level of academic rigor and research. Students follow a sequentially developed curriculum designed to enhance their knowledge from quarter to quarter. Within a quarter, students carry approximately 15 units/5 classes and will be preparing 25-40 assignments. The industry professionals who instruct our students expect these assignments to exemplify the same standards of quality and timeliness as demanded in the industry.

Homework and assignments are project-based, requiring the student to employ time management and organizational skills in meeting the expected deadlines. Students are evaluated on results, not effort. The rubric method of grading is applied at FIDM, in which grades are determined by a point system. Final grades are not changed unless there is an error in calculation.

Went to FIDM parent orientation today! Glad my son chose it! Ah-MAZING!! The staff must take a friendly test before the job!! #FIDM"—@fgdodgerette via Twitter